Autonomous Vehicle Joystick Control with Shared Sensor PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicles lack an intuitive and efficient control apparatus for manual driving modes, particularly for acceleration, deceleration, and steering, which are typically managed through multiple switches, leading to complexity and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control apparatus utilizing a joystick lever with rotatable modules for acceleration, deceleration, and steering, equipped with actuator modules generating reactive forces to return the joystick to neutral positions, and sensor modules for precise control, including Hall sensors and a control module for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple switches are used for acceleration, braking, steering, and transmission control, then the vehicle can be operated in manual mode, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (acceleration, braking, steering, transmission) into a single integrated control apparatus with a joystick lever. The joystick lever module integrates these previously separate switches into one unified device, reducing complexity while maintaining all necessary control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The joystick lever can control acceleration, braking, steering, and transmission, making it a universal control mechanism that replaces multiple specialized switches with one multi-functional apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If a joystick lever is used for acceleration and deceleration control, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuator modules
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator modules are designed to automatically return the joystick lever to its neutral position after acceleration or deceleration operations. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting by the operator, simplifying the operation while the automatic return function manages the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor modules detect the position of the joystick lever and provide feedback signals to the control module. This feedback mechanism enables automatic control and monitoring, allowing the system to manage its own state and return to neutral position automatically, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If separate sensor modules are used for acceleration/deceleration and steering detection, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor module is designed as a multi-functional component that can detect both acceleration/deceleration positions and steering positions. This universal sensor replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to precisely detect all control positions through its multi-functional capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and intuitive vehicle operation by reducing the number of switches, minimizing driver fatigue, and enabling rapid acceleration and braking, while ensuring precise control and reduced manufacturing costs through shared sensor modules.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor module provided at the joystick lever module and the main body and configured to detect a position of the joystick lever module
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated control apparatus for an autonomous vehicle is configured to perform acceleration, deceleration and steering operations of a vehicle by manipulating a joystick lever. Upon steering operation, feedback control for a steering motor is performed using a torque sensor module 800 to realize more precise steering feeling. A sensor configured to detect acceleration or deceleration position of the joystick lever and a sensor configured to detect a steering position of the joystick lever share a single position sensor PCB.